Names released – fatal crash Dargaville

Northland Police are now in a position to release the names of the people killed in last night’s serious crash on Baylys Coast Rd, Dargaville.
 
They are:
 
• Susanna Stewart aged 48 years old, from Paparoa, who was the front seat passenger.
• Sadie Stewart aged 16 years old, from Paparoa, rear left seat passenger.
• James Wearmouth aged 18 years old, from Maungataroto, middle rear seat passenger.
 
Northland Road Policing Manager Wayne Ewers says the vehicle, which the three were travelling in, was driving east on Baylys Coast Rd and left the road on a right hand bend and hit a large tree. 
 
The group was travelling home from Baylys Beach. 
 
Insp Ewers says emergency services attended and road access to Baylys Coast Rd was closed for some time last night, but has since reopened.
 
All three victims died at the scene of the accident.
 
“The vehicle, a well-sided ute, was carrying seven people, including the three victims. The driver and rear seat right side female passenger received minor injuries, while the two males on the tray have been thrown from the vehicle at point of impact with the tree, landing a short distance away.
 
“Both males were taken to Whangarei Hospital with non-life threatening injuries,” says Insp Ewers.
 
The Police’s Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash and will look into what charges, if any, may be laid against the driver.
 
“Police extend our sympathy to the families of those involved and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time,” says Insp Ewers.
 
“Crashes like this are preventable and we all need to do our part to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.
 
Ends
 
Kim Chambers 021 911 967 / NZ Police